Associates included in 2015 World Cup

The ICC has reversed its decision on excluding Associates from the 2015 World Cup, which will now comprise 14 teams including four Associates as it was in the 2011 edition. The decision to reinstate the Associates, which was taken on the third day of the ICC's annual conference in Hong Kong, is a reversal of the ICC's heavily criticised move to restrict the 2015 tournament to the Full Members.

The ICC has, however, reduced the number of teams in the World Twenty20s in 2012 and 2014 from 16 to 12 (ten Full Members and two Associates).

It also spelled out the qualification process it had announced for the 2019 World Cup; there will be ten teams in the tournament, with the top-eight ranked sides gaining automatic entry and the remaining two spots decided by a new qualification competition. Seen through to the logical process there would, for the first time in World Cup history, be the likelihood of a full member nation being eliminated from the competition before its start.

The decision to exclude Associates from the 2015 edition was made shortly after the 2011 World Cup final. It sparked a wave of protests, especially since Ireland, who are the leading Associate team, had performed creditably in the competition, upsetting England and competing in most of their other games.

Much like what transpired on the opening day of the ICC conference, when the discussion on the FTP and the DRS was pushed over to the next morning due to the intensity of the debate, discussions on Tuesday around the proposed amendment over the appointment of the ICC president were also postponed to Wednesday. At Tuesday's meeting, the first move towards overturning the Executive Board's original plan to restrict the 2015 World Cup to full member nations came from the BCCI.

The decision was welcomed by a "delighted" Warren Deutrom, the Cricket Ireland chief executive. "The board should be greatly commended in the first instance for agreeing to look again at the matter, and then for being courageous enough to review their original decision - that isn't easy," he told ESPNcricinfo. "As for Ireland, we now have to get our heads down and try to qualify for it [2015 World Cup]!" The Executive Board meeting to finalise the Associates involvement in the World Cup stretched on for close to four hours.

The Associates' delight would not have been shared by the hosts Australia and New Zealand, who supported a shorter, sharper format. By cutting the tournament down to 10 teams, the Executive Board had hoped to repeat 1992's most appreciated World Cup format, in which all teams played each other once. Having the main teams playing nine matches each would have sustained interest and been television-friendly.

As far as why the ICC have not gone for a 12-team tournament, the argument was that a 12-team format means the minimum number of matches each team plays is drastically cut down from nine to five. Fourteen is considered a more acceptable figure, particularly for broadcasters, ensuring that ratings stay high and public attention is retained through a month-long event. Also, it is understood that a 12-team format would have involved only three knockout matches, whereas a 14-nation event offers seven high-interest games starting with a quarter-final stage.

After being part of the Associates shutout in April, bringing the number 14 back into the picture has enabled the BCCI to ensure that a big numerical lobby in the full council is on their side going into the rotation issue on Wednesday. Four non-member teams now having a chance to make it through to world cricket's biggest event. For a special resolution to change the ICC Constitution the requirement is for the support of eight Full Members and 38 out of 50 of the full council.

Afghanistan Cricket Board and The Cricket funs are Really Happy about the ICC new decision giving chance to the Associate for 2015 Inshullah Afghanistan would be qualified for 2015 World Cup Thank You ICC

MrMMJ
on June 29, 2011, 17:28 GMT

@GlobalCricketLover, I am an Indian too and I too differ from BCCI's point of view time to time but I never hate them to core. People who hate someone to the core they always remain blind and no sense of reasoning can open their heart. BCCI never hosted BD till today but it would be great if you came up with some research that how many times BCCI refused them to host. R U sure that since BD debut to test cricket they ever requested BCCI to host them. People like you live in conspiracy theories then real world. BCCI pushed the case of BD so they can earn a vote and now they helped other associates for that reason only. You can never be satisfied even India hosted BD 24 test matches till today and in FTP you see another 24 test. Then your hate which is upto the core would have been criticizing BCCI for deliberately choosing a weaker team to host to earn some cheap rating points. We must criticize BCCI for wrong and should appreciate them for right so what if we are from India or an

dummy4fb
on June 29, 2011, 15:13 GMT

good decision by the icc to include associates in the world cup, infact it will be 'world' cup now as compared to what they were earlier planning 'champions' cupgood decision by the icc to include associates in the world cup, infact it will be 'world' cup now as compared to what they were earlier planning 'champions' cup

GlobalCricketLover
on June 29, 2011, 14:45 GMT

@Santosh Dasika, I am an India but hate BCCI to the core. You are talking about BCCI doing good? Remember it's BCCI who pushed the case for Bangladesh getting test status - and do you know how many times BCCI hosted Bang? Ans: 0 So, where did their good heart go? They just want more votes to back their case. If you have ever seen BCCI doing a 'genuine' good thing let us know. We have been following cricket for nearly 2 decades and yet to find a single 'genuine' good thing done by them. We needn't support BCCI just bcos we are from India.

dummy4fb
on June 29, 2011, 11:41 GMT

@wiseshah, u r dreaming right? Remember Shakib Al Hasan's comments saying bangla team will be in semi-finals, and then they were literally trashed by SA and WI teams in their own backyard?? Never mind those are the forgettable results for the Banglas but the world did not forget them. We Indians felt the same way when u bashed us Indians, and BCCI for any and everything possible. They say what goes around comes around, and this is what they meant. HaHa.

AllanofSouza
on June 29, 2011, 11:38 GMT

So happy that the initial decision was reversed. Takes a lot of courage and discipline to do that. Congrats ICC. Ireland you made that happen by your great performances.

dummy4fb
on June 29, 2011, 11:26 GMT

Funny how people are always waiting to bash BCCI, however when BCCI does something good, no one is willing to acknowledge the fact. This reeks of bigotry and hypocrisy. Anyways, I am happy there is "WORLD" competing for the WC 2015.

dummy4fb
on June 29, 2011, 11:07 GMT

I am realy happy with the decision of ICC regarding Associates for the next cricket worldcup of 2015, they can now enhance their skills and experience when play against seniors and that is the best way of making cricket one of the popular sport of world.

cricket2011
on June 29, 2011, 10:41 GMT

14 teams for ODI world cup is a good decision. But We need 16 teams for T20 World cup

Hazzak
on June 29, 2011, 9:10 GMT

If you're going to have a qualification for the world cup, then why shouldn't all countries have to go through it? It works in football where the only country that doesn't have to qualify is the host. Then it's a true meritocracy and the added bonus is that a whole lot of minnows get exposure to high quality opponents as a part of the qualifying process...

Naqibullah
on June 29, 2011, 19:19 GMT

Afghanistan Cricket Board and The Cricket funs are Really Happy about the ICC new decision giving chance to the Associate for 2015 Inshullah Afghanistan would be qualified for 2015 World Cup Thank You ICC

MrMMJ
on June 29, 2011, 17:28 GMT

@GlobalCricketLover, I am an Indian too and I too differ from BCCI's point of view time to time but I never hate them to core. People who hate someone to the core they always remain blind and no sense of reasoning can open their heart. BCCI never hosted BD till today but it would be great if you came up with some research that how many times BCCI refused them to host. R U sure that since BD debut to test cricket they ever requested BCCI to host them. People like you live in conspiracy theories then real world. BCCI pushed the case of BD so they can earn a vote and now they helped other associates for that reason only. You can never be satisfied even India hosted BD 24 test matches till today and in FTP you see another 24 test. Then your hate which is upto the core would have been criticizing BCCI for deliberately choosing a weaker team to host to earn some cheap rating points. We must criticize BCCI for wrong and should appreciate them for right so what if we are from India or an

dummy4fb
on June 29, 2011, 15:13 GMT

good decision by the icc to include associates in the world cup, infact it will be 'world' cup now as compared to what they were earlier planning 'champions' cupgood decision by the icc to include associates in the world cup, infact it will be 'world' cup now as compared to what they were earlier planning 'champions' cup

GlobalCricketLover
on June 29, 2011, 14:45 GMT

@Santosh Dasika, I am an India but hate BCCI to the core. You are talking about BCCI doing good? Remember it's BCCI who pushed the case for Bangladesh getting test status - and do you know how many times BCCI hosted Bang? Ans: 0 So, where did their good heart go? They just want more votes to back their case. If you have ever seen BCCI doing a 'genuine' good thing let us know. We have been following cricket for nearly 2 decades and yet to find a single 'genuine' good thing done by them. We needn't support BCCI just bcos we are from India.

dummy4fb
on June 29, 2011, 11:41 GMT

@wiseshah, u r dreaming right? Remember Shakib Al Hasan's comments saying bangla team will be in semi-finals, and then they were literally trashed by SA and WI teams in their own backyard?? Never mind those are the forgettable results for the Banglas but the world did not forget them. We Indians felt the same way when u bashed us Indians, and BCCI for any and everything possible. They say what goes around comes around, and this is what they meant. HaHa.

AllanofSouza
on June 29, 2011, 11:38 GMT

So happy that the initial decision was reversed. Takes a lot of courage and discipline to do that. Congrats ICC. Ireland you made that happen by your great performances.

dummy4fb
on June 29, 2011, 11:26 GMT

Funny how people are always waiting to bash BCCI, however when BCCI does something good, no one is willing to acknowledge the fact. This reeks of bigotry and hypocrisy. Anyways, I am happy there is "WORLD" competing for the WC 2015.

dummy4fb
on June 29, 2011, 11:07 GMT

I am realy happy with the decision of ICC regarding Associates for the next cricket worldcup of 2015, they can now enhance their skills and experience when play against seniors and that is the best way of making cricket one of the popular sport of world.

cricket2011
on June 29, 2011, 10:41 GMT

14 teams for ODI world cup is a good decision. But We need 16 teams for T20 World cup

Hazzak
on June 29, 2011, 9:10 GMT

If you're going to have a qualification for the world cup, then why shouldn't all countries have to go through it? It works in football where the only country that doesn't have to qualify is the host. Then it's a true meritocracy and the added bonus is that a whole lot of minnows get exposure to high quality opponents as a part of the qualifying process...

Mitcher
on June 29, 2011, 8:17 GMT

@MrMMJ: You're right mate, all hail the BCCI!! Beacon of justice and freedom figthing! Never would it let money dictate its actions, unlike all those other EVIL money-driven boards. Thank you for setting the record straight.

alexbraae
on June 29, 2011, 8:08 GMT

Thank you ICC, the associates deserve a chance.

manojettedi
on June 29, 2011, 7:34 GMT

Is the ICC so brainless as to reduce teams for the T20 WC. Only tournament they can go further than expected is that. Besides a game is only for max 4 hrs scheduling need not be an issue

dummy4fb
on June 29, 2011, 7:26 GMT

I completely agree with howizzat. I think T20 internationals should be scrapped altogether and leave to the Counties, IPL, Big Bash, etc. Anyways, not much T20Is are played except for the ICC World T20. I believe at the club/franchise level, it makes more interesting viewing.

howizzat
on June 29, 2011, 6:01 GMT

Scrap T20 World Cup alltogether. Leave it to club level.

dje23
on June 29, 2011, 4:41 GMT

What a disgraceful, gutless decision. We now are back in the situation where there are only 7 really meaningful games in the whole tourney. There will be the same boredom during the group stages that prevailed this year. What a shame that we are going to miss out on a proper tournament like we had in 1992.

The ICC should be ashamed of themselves.

MrMMJ
on June 29, 2011, 4:39 GMT

I would like to congratulate BCCI for paving the way for Associates participation in coming world cups. This is a great service done by BCCI for the proliferation of the cricket in other parts of world. Otherwise all other boards (AUS, NZ, ENG, SA, BD, PAK, SL, ZIM, WI) were just doing self service in this matter. They never wanted associates in coming world cups for various reasons ranging from financial to their own firm particiapation. Only Indian board came forward and made sure that justice is done and cricket wins. Thanks BCCI, true cricket lovers will never forget your gesture.

BDKu
on June 29, 2011, 4:29 GMT

This is the correct decision. You must let the upcomming nations play in the biggest league. That is the only way they will be ambitious to do well. If cricket is to be made popular as a world sport we have to let the smaller teams play with the bigger teams. You cant always take all the decision on the likes and dislikes of TV channels, interest of the sport should be at heart more than the interest of the TV channel

dummy4fb
on June 29, 2011, 3:55 GMT

Sanity has prevailed! The ICC has finally got one right!

Anil_Koshy
on June 29, 2011, 3:49 GMT

There should be 12 teams in the world cup, the top 8 nations should get automatic entry,the bottom 2 should play a qualifying tournament comprising of 6 associate nations and these 2 and the best 4 can be included in the world cup. In order to develop the game we need to give chance to the associate nations wiho are serious. ICC should also take steps to keep countries like Canada and UAE out who rely mainly on expatriates. Such teams make difficult for teams like Afganistan,Nepal, Nambia and Scotland to qualify.

enamit
on June 29, 2011, 3:42 GMT

m question for 1CC is that what you have decide on the participating in Olympics because IOC also showing interest in cricket by including so why ICC is waiting for what,players are also showing there interest playing in Olympics, so icc just give application its good for developing cricket in global

why ICC not giving test status to IRELAND,irish team is better then bang and zim, if m question is wrong then tel m ICC why you people gave test status to Bangladesh only just after 1 wc99 appearance so just see the performance of irish team in the last 2 wc give them test status bcoz itz help develope cricket in Ireland so just think ICC and take good decision

dummy4fb
on June 29, 2011, 3:00 GMT

The format for 2015 world cup should be like 1992 world cup...This will test the entire teams as they have to play all the participating teams and have to come in top 4. This will avoid the group competition which may be beneficial for top teams. Also the lower rated teams has a chance to play with the equally ranked team even if they lose to the top team....

Shafin1987
on June 29, 2011, 2:47 GMT

@IBBANI.............well said.............but with this worst team we beat u twice(INDIA).u said best ranked worst team...............ranking is a thing which can't be biased..............it's always fare...........someday INDIA will lose by ur so called gully team.INDIA the team who took 20 years to win a single test talking against BD........how funny.when BD came in the cricket lime light every team was well established........but we took only 5 years to win a test........so talk carefully.

smudgeon
on June 28, 2011, 22:47 GMT

Good news, good news indeed. Perhaps this is the beginning of the end of the "club" situation we have where only the members get to make all the decisions. I'd love to see a cricket world cup like the Soccer World Cup finals - where every single team can (in theory at least) play. It's obviously a long way off in cricket, it has nowhere near the global popularity soccer has.

Swampy5
on June 28, 2011, 22:29 GMT

I can't quite see why this is such a great decision. Only the 2015 world cup has rightfully got the right number of Associates back. Why is the 2019 WC still set provisionally for 10? Why has the T20 WC been cut from 20 teams (which was the perfect number of teams) to only 12? The 2015 WC may have been saved, but this seems like a temporary stay of execution - it seems in the long run that the ICC is keen to cut the number of teams in tournaments and not give the Associates a fair deal.

topiman
on June 28, 2011, 22:19 GMT

@aaron.iftekhar ... well said mate .... I think that this would be a great idea :)

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 21:57 GMT

I support the participation of 4 Associate members to take part in the world cup. But I do not want to break up into two groups. As in 1992, the format of the tournament was better. In that tournament each team had to play with all the participating countries on the round robin league basis. In the end top four teams were declared the semi finalist and they played on the knock out basis.

AARON.IFTEKHAR
on June 28, 2011, 21:46 GMT

If ICC wants a comparative, high standard & profitable World Cup Cricket, then it should be 8-nations tournament in a single group (28 matches in initial stage + 3 matches for semis like IPL system & 1 final = 32). But, they should rejected the idea of automatic participation by ranking system. The system of participation in the WCC should fixed by ICC constitution forever - only host team or teams and the last 2 finalist (maximum the last 4 semi-finalists) could get that automatic right, and the remaining qualifiers should determined by few series and stages of qualifying matches between all cricket nations. e.g. for 2015: Australia & NZ as hosts, India, SL & Pakistan as semifinalist are automatically qualified; SA, England, WI, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe & 3 associate or affiliated teams, coming through series & stages of matches between them, are playing qualifying matches for the rest of 3 places in the WCC (say qualifiers are SA, Ireland & Afganistan). Then that will be fair tournament

Munkeymomo
on June 28, 2011, 21:20 GMT

I agree with Salim Mushfiq. I love seeing teams like Afghanistan putting their heart and soul into World cup games. If they get beat, so what, they weren't expected to win. If they win, wow, people in the country talk about it a lot, new people will take up the game. Whatever nationality you are we can all agree this ICC board is not good for the game.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 20:37 GMT

@AARON.IFTEKHAR:Giving aautomatic entry for defending semifinalists is foolish.In 2007 the defending finalists India lost out on the first round.Nothing is to be said about the defending semifinalists of 2003 Kenya.So usage of ranking system is more logixal as it atleast takes into account the current form of the playing nations.I say apply it to 2015 too rather than a drawn out cwc.

dragqueen1
on June 28, 2011, 19:51 GMT

14 teams in 2015, back to 10 in 2019 why? makes no sense.
nor does the reduction in T20 numbers, except in a vindictive way.
no one at the ICC seems to understand the main reason for holding a World Cup.
it is not a huge cash cow,
nor is it even to find the world's best team,
no the main reason is to inspire people, nations usually away from the normal areas to take up the sport.
if you're going to deny them access.
THERE IS NO POINT EVEN HOLDING THE THING.
this is why 16 is the minimum acceptable number for both CWC & T20.
if some teams are uncompetitive so be it, the ideas for them to be exposed to the best.

AARON.IFTEKHAR
on June 28, 2011, 19:42 GMT

For the 2019 World Cup - 10 teams in the tournament is OK, but with the top 8-ranked teams gaining automatic entry is not acceptable. Ranking system is not showing the real strength of the teams. Only the host team (or teams) and the 4 defending semi-finalists could have right for automatic entry, and remaining spots should be decided by few stages of qualification competition between all other teams... full members could get right to play only the final qualification stage directly or automatically.

Sabbir007
on June 28, 2011, 18:52 GMT

ibbani hey, chill man!Don't be afraid! Plz, tell us first from which country you are and then we will tell our team to never beat ur team! Even after 5-6 years, when they will be the another super power of cricket with their natural talent and love to this game! Or, I can suggest u a way! That is, u should better give up watching cricket! Because, these scenario is waiting for you , man!

AkmalFan
on June 28, 2011, 18:36 GMT

i hope afghanistan play in 2015 world cup

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 18:06 GMT

India is world champion. But they are not best team at now. India is very poor team in any neutral like Australia, England, NZ and South Africa. Even they are suffering against poor Westindies team. Bangladesh is much better than Zimbabwe, Ireland, Netherlands and Westindies. I think every team should play in qualifying round same as Fifa world world cup qualifying round.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 17:54 GMT

ICC sleeps at night and wakes up in the morning with new decision...this is really not fair, I was so happy that 16 teams were included in T20 because I wanted to see Afghanistan again in T20 World Cup IN 2012...They had a good chance to play again...although Afghanistan has ODI status but ICC gives my country not match agains full members...their decisions are always silly...FO

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 17:11 GMT

At last some sense coming from ICC.Now the ICC should move to free itself from the clutches of BCCI.The partiality of the governing body greatly hampers the prospects for any sport,specially cricket which is still a long way to go in order to become an "international sport".

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 17:04 GMT

I think this decision taken to make Associates Happy .. that decision was better before to had 10 team event and 16 team T20 Event .. And had to stick that decision and to hold Qualify Tournament as Preliminary Round matches Just like Champions trophy in 1998,2000 &2006 ..Bw Teams ranked 9&10 .. Hope we wont see another Quarter Final format again ..

ibbani
on June 28, 2011, 16:55 GMT

Bangladesh is the best ranked worst team in World cricket. They shud have been denied the entry to WC and test cricket too. They dont deserve the respect and credit that they are been given right now. They shud be shown the doors. They are overhyped team, a very very very ordinary team. Local gully teams can beat them any day.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 16:37 GMT

Breaking News: Batsman will be given" route-map" to run, so as not to interfere throws from fielders!!!! - what were they drinking? sensible decisions like UDRS and inclusion of associates made along with some stupid ones, makes one think is there " betting " on the decisions of ICC meetings too!!! Viz. Is it 10 teams or 14 teams for WC 2015? and for 2019 will no: of teams change again? will they allow back runners after six months?
ODI format for WCs has been changing with every WC and it is still not settled...thankfully Test matches have been spared...if at all any change has happened to Tests, it is all contributions from Players alone - their skills, increased abilities, counter-tactics- all have been positive changes too....may be ICC should make an effort to learn from the real game changers!!!

MrArmchairCricket
on June 28, 2011, 16:29 GMT

Finally, SOME common sense prevails.

Prashant_Dhamija
on June 28, 2011, 16:21 GMT

IMHO too, A 12 team WC would be an ideal format as there would not be many one sided matches and it would give even chance to associates as well. Anyways a 14 match WC with associates included is much better than WC without associates. Therefore a good decision but could have been better.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 16:05 GMT

Its a good decision but its not good ENOUGH. I think that the ICC are protecting full member teams way too much from elimination in the world cup, they need to understand that shock upsets and eliminations are what sell the game and boost popularity.

I therefore think that ALL TEAMS regardless of status, other than the hosts should have to qualify for the world regardless of where they are in the rankings system, if India or Australia or any of the 'members' fail to qualify then so be it as it gives a chance to a NEW face.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 16:00 GMT

14 team world cup will be too long with plenty of one-sided matches. 10 team world cup with 10 full members would have been unfair for teams like Ireland. 12 team world cup would have been ideal.
scrapping down the number of participants from 16 to 12 in T20 world cup is not a good sign for the growth of the game. T20 is the ideal format for the so called minnows to outplay the big boys. Netherlands got the better of England in the 2nd edition of the event. Scotland also gave a scare to New Zealand later (http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/355992.html) in the same event.
In order to spread the game ICC should include more teams in T20 world cup.

Rakesh_Sharma
on June 28, 2011, 15:56 GMT

12 teams would have been ideal. No one asked for 14 teams. It seems ICC wants again to club all associates together .14 team wc gets two associates who are below par. also Wc should be with 12 teams atleast till 2025. Why again 10 teams.This is ridiculous. ICC - International( Indian??) l Clown Club.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 15:48 GMT

It is amazing for me........ICC noticed my comments about "Qualification Process" I suggested for "Qualification Process" there top 8 teams will qualify directly and other two with qualification competition. It will increase interest in cricket as well quality also increase..........I am very happy with this decision and Again want suggest to Implement it in 2015......

cricfan2007
on June 28, 2011, 15:37 GMT

How many nations play soccer/football compared to cricket? ICC need to think about spreading cricket, not shrinking it. IN WC football, you have qualifier for everyone except host. Why not take that style instead of eight test playing team automatically qualify. I think it is unfair because you are singling out Zim and BAN as weaker side out of the ten test teams. The truth is BAN, for example, has defeated WI and NZ in series. The current state of WI, NZ cricket is really questionable. So, make all play qualifier or let bottom five of test teams play qualifier.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 15:33 GMT

Good dicision...............................

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 15:15 GMT

The biggest Irony would be Ireland failing to qualify. Some people are so excited about the Afghan team. Have they played any big guns yet?

ThKhan
on June 28, 2011, 14:35 GMT

Damn idiot decision
which would mean that teams like Kenya can once again qualify for WC semis like in 2003 and teams like BD & IRE can make to super 8 like in 2007

this is ridiculous

chapathishot
on June 28, 2011, 14:31 GMT

@Wiseshah:Yes Bangladeshis are beating themselves regularly and that too pathectically.Most the matches are even no contest.Like what happened in world cup.

Rahul_Vasudevan
on June 28, 2011, 14:28 GMT

12 team event would have been a better format. Two groups of 6 teams.Top 4 from each group reach Super8. Top 4 from Super8 qualify for SemiFinals.
15*2=30 matches in group stage
16 in Super8
SemiFinals 2 matches
Final 1 match
Total 49 matches.
Better have a PlayOff System IPL Style. So total 50 matches
QuarterFinal format makes group stage redundant. We already know the 8 teams that are going to reach the QuarterFinals.

KarMani
on June 28, 2011, 14:25 GMT

I agree that this is definitely a very good move as it gives the associate nations something to look forward to for the next 4 years. That is the gift for the consistent performance - a chance to play in the WC against the top nations (Any cricketers dream). Also I never supported the 16 team - 4 division format as even good teams can have a off day early in the tournament. As we all know in case of India at 2011 WC and CSK in IPL 2011, even good teams take time to PEAK in a global competition.

Rakesh_Sharma
on June 28, 2011, 14:17 GMT

Self contradictory decision. Why 14 teams in place of 12 teams for 2015. And why again 10 teams in 2019? Also Does they mean never never additional Full member till 2019?? However ICC can change decisions every 6 months.So taking decision so far ahead has no meaning. Also any qualifying tournament must be in the same country where World cup will be held or in the same continent even if it is in associate country.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 14:17 GMT

Great decision for the good of the game. (For once) thanks ICC. Not sure why the T20s have been reduced or the 2019 tournament, but with the latter there's plenty of time for the ICC to change their mind again if the Associates play better in 2015.

NALINWIJ
on June 28, 2011, 14:06 GMT

I AGREE WITH THE 1NCLUSION OF ASSOCIATES. I was prepared to accept 12 team format.2 groups of 6 with one associate each. 5 rounds with 6 matches each round that means 2 matches with associates and 4 involving full members only. If these 4 matches were played as day/night then it would be day matches in subcontinent and prime time. if each round is played in 4 days then 20 day/night prime time matches. Ten matches involving qualifiers interspersed.Tournament starting on friday means group stage over by a wednesday. Top teams go to semis automatically. A2v.B3 and A3v.B2 plays in the qualifying finals on the weekend and winners play A1 and B1 in semis on wednesday and Thursday with finals on Sunday. 31 day tournament with 25 day/night prime time matches involving full members with 10 games with qualifiers interspersed.Sustainable, Exciting format without boring bits.10 teams in 2019, 14 in 2015 why not 12 always!!

india26
on June 28, 2011, 13:43 GMT

ICC should look to bring in more associates to compete in 20-20 world cup, since it requires less skill . Also, we can have many surprises and league stages would look more competitive.We can globalize cricket with 20-20 format. 50-50 format should have only 10 test playing nations and each nation playing two league match against same opponent.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 13:33 GMT

I must say Good sense and I am Glad...... Good decision .. i was one of many who advocated for a change and now that we have it i must say I AM Satisfied. Now associates go and make best of it.

AARON.IFTEKHAR
on June 28, 2011, 13:31 GMT

Of course the reversed decision is welcome, but be mined that it has happened due another reason - scrapping the rotation policy for the appointment of the ICC president. So, ICC shows it's dirty game and policy again.
Actually 12 or 16 teams is the best option forever for any WC championship. Automatic participation could be guaranteed only to host team (or teams) and maximum to 4 current semifinalists, and the rest should go through different stages of qualification games. Then that will be real World Cup.
I like the IPL system to qualification for Final, where exactly the two strongest teams are playing in the Final. Same method can use ICC in it's WC Championships... 1st Semi-final: A1 vs B1; 2nd Semi-final's qualifying match: A2 vs B2 (the Loser will get 4th place); 2nd Semi-final: Loser of 1st Semi-Final vs Winner of SF's qualifying match (the Loser will get 3rd place) & Final - winners of both Semis. This system will bring more revenue to the organizers and broadcasters also.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 13:31 GMT

Well I suppose it's better than nothing but still it should have been a 12 team world cup, then it could be finished in 3 weeks rather than the money grabbing length of time it is now!

Robster1
on June 28, 2011, 13:25 GMT

A good decision but now very importantly can we please have a World Cup with lots of matches that actually have meaning before the knock out stage. Far too many games group games have little consequence and the only real competition is in the brief knock out stage. With two groups of seven countries, having only the top two qualify for the semis would mean both that every group games was crucial and the tournament was shortened in length.

wiseshah
on June 28, 2011, 13:14 GMT

why most indian and pakistani are after bangladesh cricket. bangladesh is beating every time. they whitewashed NZ 4-0, west indies in all the game. in world cup, they beat england, ireland and in every 3 match series, their series results are 2-1. what people want? plus they have lost 14 good players due to indian ICL

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 13:11 GMT

@Ram Duraiswami......The format you suggested was good...But It was tried by ICC in 2007 WC with 16 teams in four groups. Its the same tournament in which India and pakistan got knocked out with in a week into the tournament and tournament became a big failure in terms of everything.

Saim93
on June 28, 2011, 13:09 GMT

Admirable Choice, A good decision!

indianzen
on June 28, 2011, 13:09 GMT

INDIA, SA, ENG, AUS, SL, NZ, WI, PAK are the mandatory teams. Lets say the associate nations set to 3 best teams, then Ireland, Zim and bangla/Netherlands qualify. It will be an awesome tournament...

ajm63
on June 28, 2011, 13:07 GMT

It always pays to read the small print - the 2019 WC WILL BE 10 TEAMS ONLY AND THE NUMBER OF TEAMS IN THE 20/20 WC HAS BEEN REDUCED TO 12

Jim1207
on June 28, 2011, 13:04 GMT

Is any one thanking BCCI here who were bashing for DRS? Say Sharda Ugra? It shows how the world is becoming cruel and do not have heart to appreciate someone while it is easy to think of someone as enemy!

WhatMustTheICCThink
on June 28, 2011, 12:57 GMT

Thank gawd! But why reduce T20 World Cup participation and have just 10 teams in 2019 in England? Silly, silly. We are going to have to go through all this again. For now, we can breathe a sigh of relief. Well done to all those who protested. It goes to show you can make a difference.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 12:55 GMT

Congrats Ireland, Netherland and all the small "power houses" from the Bangladehis. You will reign the future world and this decision will set up the foundation of your bright future. Go go and and give the mamoths fights .... Congrats again!!!

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 12:49 GMT

good news ,,hope Afghanistan qaulify this time.....

NewYorkCricket
on June 28, 2011, 12:34 GMT

Why not just do a qualifier and have the ten best teams. ICC is robbing its die hard supporters some good matches for the sake of promoting cricket. There were too many useless matches in the last world cup.

indianzen
on June 28, 2011, 12:31 GMT

again 4 is a big number, should be trimmed down to 2 ass nations. we can see a good competition b/w Bangladesh, Ireland, Netherlands and Canada. Kenya already rolled out.

And, we all know there`s NO likelihood of this system recurring in the near future, after the elimination of India and Pakistan in the group stages of 2007.

re. the decision. Fantastic! A World Cup should never be a closed shop.

Jayco
on June 28, 2011, 12:21 GMT

This will work as long as things are scheduled intelligently. I understand one of the problems with 14 was tv revenue, and the need to have games simultaneously. Buts lets say there is a NZ vs WI day/night game on. This won't be interesting to viewers in Ireland. But during the day you could have an Ireland vs Netherlands game, and put it on at a small but accessible venue, like North Sydney Oval, which holds about 10,000. This would attract a lot of the Irish visitors already Sydney, plus be close to a lot of workers who might pop in. Therefore, you could get a decent crowd, and generate TV revenue from Ireland. Once the game finishes, you might then be able to attract Irish TV viewers to the NZ vs WI game already in progress. Therefore, 14 teams could generate tournament revenue if done smartly.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 12:10 GMT

I think a 12 team world cup is better, with top 8 teams qualifying directly. And rest 4 slots filled by qualifying tournaments.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 12:10 GMT

Now the battle for 2019 begins....

rko_rules
on June 28, 2011, 12:09 GMT

@mick jones- Yeah bcoz of TV contracts as well, the tournament was stretched and other reason was to give India better chance to qualify for the knockout stages, they don't want the same thing to happen again what happened in 2007, when India and Pakistan knocked out of the tournament in the first round.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 12:07 GMT

Finally some good news for 2015. It would be preferable to keep an expanded format for 2019 as well, although at least the door has now been opened for qualification there too. Well done to all of those who have helped make this change a reality. This provides a path for the emerging nations to develop into future champions of the game and expand the sport's impact around the globe.

Natesan333
on June 28, 2011, 12:02 GMT

Two great things came out of this decision. One the associates get a chance. Second, (hopefully) keep the Pakistanies & the bangladeshies from messing up the situation. Two birds one stone.

jupiterlaw
on June 28, 2011, 12:01 GMT

To include or to exclude, that was the fundamental question. The ICC made the right decision and this beautiful sport would be better for it in the long run, because they chose inclusion over exclusion.

BlorScouser
on June 28, 2011, 12:00 GMT

Thank you ICC for taking the right course of action. The next step is to ensure associates get reasonable opportunities to compete with full members on a more regular basis.

rayhanshalfa
on June 28, 2011, 11:59 GMT

Why again 10 teams in 2019? Going to be funny again?

tiggerNpooh
on June 28, 2011, 11:58 GMT

12 teams with a qualifying tournament would have been ideal. Teams like Zimbabwe and Bangladesh have no fear now of not making it to the WC if they don't improve. Also 4 associates will lead to many one-sided matches unless the ICC also puts in place a system wherein these associates play A teams of the top 6 full members regularly in the next 4 years before the next WC to help them improve.

agam99
on June 28, 2011, 11:53 GMT

Now thank BCCI and ICC president Sharad Pawar for it bcz this decision is take only after his recommendation to ICC panel for inclusion of associates.

vak1997
on June 28, 2011, 11:49 GMT

well done ICC. a world cup must include all the nations.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 11:47 GMT

Afghanistan GoNA Rock dis time, and the world will be Shocked watchínG US....AFGHANZ R BK INTO THE GAME.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 11:37 GMT

A very good decision. A 10 nation world cup with bottom 2 slots open for qualification along with top 6 associates was a better option but then Bangladesh and Zimbabwe could have been knocked out and then people started to question their Test Status.

Hence leaving that aspect aside this is a very good decision. After all it is a World Cup and not a 10 nation cup. Good decision ICC

pargat89
on June 28, 2011, 11:32 GMT

@Charindra Totally agree with you man.... :)

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 11:32 GMT

It is really good news but the minnows have to take seriously and give competition and make a serious attempt to upset the great teams like india australia etc only then they will be benifited

harryrockz
on June 28, 2011, 11:32 GMT

great news... Associates once get the required infrastructure (like the big teams) will give a scare to all the top nations... By the way the top 8 teams should get qualified directly and the rest 6 spots should be up for qualification. There is no point in getting an associate team for the purpose of it. (Take the case of Zimbabwe, Canada Netherlands or Kenya for that matter, they were not even near their good in the last world cup) So if Afghanistan (they are improving day by day) can come in for any one of the above, it would be interesting.

ygkd
on June 28, 2011, 11:30 GMT

A victory for common sense, but now the ANZ public must come to the party and support minnow matches.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 11:30 GMT

The decision to limit the Optional Powerplays to between overs 16 & 40 is a good one. But, I think it would have been still better if it had been restricted to between 16 & 35 overs leaving a 5-over gap at the end too before the slog overs like at the beginning after the mandatory Powerplay and also making 10 of the middle 20 overs interesting.

correctcall
on June 28, 2011, 11:25 GMT

The Board has gone against the Chief Excec's recommendation so we have to wait and see what the trade of has been. Clearly Zim and Ban did not want to take their chances in a play off so what have they offered to Big Brother India for the protection. Srinivasan is a master at achieving the end game so nervous wait to see if the final outcome is in the interest of India or global cricket and the fan/viewer base. Keep your fingers crossed for the latter!

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 11:23 GMT

I think 14 is an odd number with the World Cup again featuring 50 games. Even a 12 team event would have 43 games. But, the best format is like the FIFA WC ie 16 teams with 4 groups of 4 palying league for a total of 24 (6 x 4) league games with the top 2 from each group qualifying for the 4 QFs, then the 2 SF, 1 3rd place playoff and 1 Finall making a total of 32 games. In this format, there will be 6 associates with the 2 groups having No. 9 & No.10 ODI teams getting only 1 Assocaite each and the other 2 groups getting 2 Associates each. I know many friends would strike down my suggestion but this is the best way by which we can achieve both the purposes of giving the Associates a decent exposure and also a much shorter World Cup, maybe 3 weeks.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 11:23 GMT

Its a great job done by icc. Hope associate team will proved their streangthIts a great job done by icc. Hope associate team will proved their streangth

inxia
on June 28, 2011, 11:21 GMT

Why can the ICC never get it right? Having four Associates at the World Cup created too many mismatches, but giving them no chance of playing at the World Cup at all wasn't the solution. That gives them quite a bit of middle ground to work with. Just because the 10-team tournament with no Associate qualification was flawed doesn't mean that you should just go back to the equally flawed system that you had before. There were only two sensible options: a 10-team Cup with 8 automatic places and 2 qualifying places; or a 12-team Cup with 10 automatic places and 2 qualifiers. Wrong again, ICC.

KapilJoshi
on June 28, 2011, 11:21 GMT

Hey, how come no one is appreciating probable BCCI factor in this.. Or is BCCI meant for only bashing for anything that happens from ICC? Perhaps one could say BCCI did this to change the rules of electing ICC president...

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 11:20 GMT

WOW! Gr8 news
now every country will get a chance to express there talents

i_witnessed_2011
on June 28, 2011, 11:08 GMT

This is good news. But it would have been better if it is 12 team rather than 14 and qualifying round among associates.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 11:00 GMT

Selecting the 9th and the 10th team should be done considering the two winners, after having matches between the 9th team of the ICC ODI rankings and the runners up of the ICC championship and the 10th team of the ICC ODI rankings and the champions of the ICC championship rather than having a qualifying round. Therefore, the qualifying round will not take more than one day and 2 grounds, before the world cup and one sided matches will be minimal.

Rahul_78
on June 28, 2011, 10:55 GMT

Motives might be wrong but justice is done! None the less...so happy for associates especially for Ireland who would have definitely qualified in case there would have been a qualifying tournament in 10 team format...!

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 10:54 GMT

Great news that the ICC have increased the number of teams, although I agree with Tony Booth and Gizza - 12 teams seems to be a good number. Regardless, the strongest Associate sides now have a chance to show their worth in 2015, and that can only be a good thing.

ravikiran.bits
on June 28, 2011, 10:50 GMT

12 would have been good! but ICC cannot schedule one more event for qualifying the last 4 spots of 12! it should atleast plan it for 2019 WC!

Fantastic decision by ICC finally.Ireland.Afghanistan,Nethetlands all deserve to participate in WC.So 14 teams is the best one.Long live associate and affiliate cricket!ICC is making sensible decisions in this annual conference.Spreading game is more important.So even if some uneven matches will occur,they should be ignored.

thaamansaranya
on June 28, 2011, 10:34 GMT

To make this wounderful game Gobalise, we need associate nations.... Well done ICC...l

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 10:32 GMT

I'm struggling to believe what I'm reading - !!!Brilliant news!!! You can't expect the associates to improve with less opportunity. You simply don't learn how to beat India at cricket by not playing them! It's really not complicated. I'd have settled for 12, but in this case bigger is better. Anyway, I thought 14 teams worked well this year... just too many venues (too much travelling) and stretched out over too many weeks. I read somewhere that might be because of TV contracts... dunno... does anybody else?

bonaku
on June 28, 2011, 10:29 GMT

Yes, it can be booring some times but it is good for cricket in long term.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 10:29 GMT

Although the Associates specifically Ireland will be happy, the decision still ignores the more pressing problem of addressing how associates acquire Test status and whether all the members of the club deserve to be permanent ones. Surely Zimbabwe have done little of late to remain in the elite club. And the West Indies may slowly but surely slide that route.

Akhilesh_Shenoy
on June 28, 2011, 10:29 GMT

@AnandaZaman- completely agree wit u !! idealy only the top 6 teams shud be guaranteed automatic qualificaton wit the rest to fight it out wit the top 4 associates fr the remaining spots making it an 8 team qualifying tournament. The proposed ODI league cud b used to decide the 6 automatic qualifiers..this will add more context to this league thereby making it that much more exciting !! Wat wil also happen is dat we wil c lower ranked full member teams play out of their skins tryin 2 secure automatic qualification thereby leadin to more upsets against higher ranked teams !! This will add to the spectacle of cricket as a competitive sport !!

PrameshP
on June 28, 2011, 10:28 GMT

At last ICC did fantastic job. Can anyone say about that, Nepal can compete for those 4 vacancy.

Mahesh4811
on June 28, 2011, 10:22 GMT

Superrrrrrrrrbbbbbbbbbb! wonderful decision. but 12 teams world cup would be good with last 4 through qualifying. nevertheless, good decision.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 10:21 GMT

the only associate team that deserved to be there is Ireland..
So its a good news as we will see Ireland again . chance for other associates also to show their mettle.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 10:20 GMT

Including the associates so that Powar get's to keep his seat?
I guess this means, that the pitches in Australia and NZ will lose their bounce and seaming conditions for the world cup. Otherwise, no one would watch the world cup. Hallelujah for cricket!

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 10:20 GMT

Why in the first place omit and then debate for restoring status without even knowing the trend !!. Ireland and Nether land will overtake West Indies and Bangladesh given proper opportunity.

thenoostar
on June 28, 2011, 10:17 GMT

Awesome! The world cup just wouldn't be the same without Kenya the including most of the team that fumbled through to the 2003 world cup, Canada with its proud history and passionate support base of locally grown cricketers. Please, these 2 teams add nothing to the competition. Dont even mention Scotland!

Ireland and Netherlands atleast have some home grown talent and cricket infrastructure. It would be good to see Afghanistan make it. I think they could become an international force the way they have been improving lately.

Since we have to have associate teams
Ireland, Afghanistan and Netherlands and another team less appauling than the other 3.

They should try the McIntyre system as used in Australasia's NRL to break the competition into 2 groups. eg 1 v 14, 2 v 13.... after 1 round

Then the 7 winners and highest ranked loser form the top teir of the competition.
These 8 teams play each other like in 1992 with semi finals and a

The rest fight for the scraps.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 10:11 GMT

This is amazing news, thank you ICC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks a million!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

anver777
on June 28, 2011, 10:10 GMT

Well done ICC !!! you have made the correct move....some Associates are really good & they deserve a place in WC & also will develop their cricketing skills further by playing against stronger sides...........

maverick_ind
on June 28, 2011, 10:09 GMT

what politics!!!! a shame for the gentleman's game!!!

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 10:06 GMT

gr8 news for die hard cricket fans like us!!! :)

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 10:03 GMT

good decision for associate team

Charindra
on June 28, 2011, 10:02 GMT

I passionately advocated for associated to be given a chance in 2015, but 14 is too many! 12 is the acceptable figure, whereby teams placed from 8 to 16 would have been in a qualifying tournament. The 4 best out of those 8 would have played the world cup. It is ridiculous that Bang and Zim get in automatically.

gothetaniwha
on June 28, 2011, 10:02 GMT

NZ and AUS cricket boards both wanted a 10 team round robin WC , now we have to put up with these one side thrashings again - BORING , Don,t know why Afganistan keep getting pushed ahead of more worthy teams after all what cricket board or players will ever tour there .

jackiethepen
on June 28, 2011, 9:58 GMT

Without minnows there is no fun, no Jack the Giant slayer moments. The Irish were great in 2007 and great in 2011. For me they made the competition and stopped it from going stale. Cricket needs to be kept alive with enthusiasm and to celebrate its new strengths. We may see Afghanistan in the next competition. A great victory for the real fans against the self-interest of the major competing nations.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 9:55 GMT

Good for Cricket & its fan :)

itisme
on June 28, 2011, 9:54 GMT

It is good news that associate members will be participating in the WC2015, but the number of teams should have been 12 rather than 14. 14 teams is really too much. We are going to see some very unexciting and completely one-sided matches. But anyway, now it is done, so we have to accept it. The banning of runners is great. This was being misused all the time barring only a few genuine cases. Limiting the powerplay overs to between 16 and 40 overs is also good, but I would have liked to see it between 11 and 40.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 9:53 GMT

cricket needs a good format in WC and not less countries. We should have qualifiers and regional slots like Football to make sure we promote the game.. Look at asia - a no body till recently in football they used their slot and are now hitting above their rankings in WC..Need to see more regions joining in the cricket party...

me54321
on June 28, 2011, 9:52 GMT

All for seeing the associates back in, just hope it doesn't mean the format's going to be the same as 2011. 4 groups in the first round, 2 games a day please

vedichitesh
on June 28, 2011, 9:51 GMT

At last better sense has prevailed

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 9:47 GMT

This is great news! Ireland is better than Zimbabwe and Bangladesh on neutral grounds. Maybe they can put the seven top ranked ODI countries in one group with six to go through to the quarter finals. Have the three bottom ranked sides and associates in the other group with the top two teams going through to the quarters.

sindhur3862
on June 28, 2011, 9:46 GMT

awesome...but,the job is not done yet...first improve the quality of cricket in the said countries....don let guys like morgan jump the boat...wud be gr8 if one of them reaches semi's...in ten years time we shud have atleast 15-20 countries playing competitive intl cricket...

Vishwas1997
on June 28, 2011, 9:45 GMT

Great decision by ICC! Keep it up!

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 9:43 GMT

great news for Associate fans......................!

AnandaZaman
on June 28, 2011, 9:41 GMT

Another poor decision by ICC. It should have been 10 teams - with 6 top ranked teams and rest 4 spots open for lower ranked teams and Associates. No point having a long tournament; This is a World Cup - teams only with high quality should be allowed here (just like FIFA WC, where even many quality teams could not qualify).

Vishwas1997
on June 28, 2011, 9:40 GMT

It was certainly a very good decision to bring in the associates. Ireland played pretty well in CWC 2011.

Gizza
on June 28, 2011, 9:38 GMT

To an extent I still believe that 12 is the best number. That means the Associates have to fight for a World Cup spot. Although I guess next time Afghanistan will be stronger so either Kenya, the Netherlands or Canada will be out. Maybe another Associate country can step up and oust one of these countries.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 9:36 GMT

good for the game of cricket now we have to build on this sucess and promote the game of cricket keep joing all associate cricket pages and petitions and join the new picbadge committee where supporters badges are of the associate nations

diehardcricketfan3
on June 28, 2011, 9:34 GMT

its a gud news for cricket and assciates...

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 9:33 GMT

Fantastic news!!!! Ireland are back on track for Test status! Looking forward to seeing them in action down under!

ed24
on June 28, 2011, 9:32 GMT

Fantastic, that's some of the best cricket news I've read in ages.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 9:32 GMT

Great news but I would say 14 teams is 2 too many. Should have gone for a 12 team cup, top 8 in the rankings qualify automatically and then had a qualifying tournament with the remaining teams for the final four slots.

Clive_Dunn
on June 28, 2011, 9:31 GMT

Another opportunity missed...could easily have given the ODI rankings meaning by having the top 6 automatically qualify, with the bottom 4 entering a pre-tournament competition with the associates - top 4 teams of that qualify for the remaining spots.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 9:31 GMT

hi every body i am very happy of this decision now i understand that associated are encoureged by full member or by authorthy of cricket

ShuvoDXtremo
on June 28, 2011, 9:27 GMT

Excellent decision!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!........Feeling so happy for the associates.......atleast their mutiny was not in vein!!!!!

espn86783570
on June 28, 2011, 9:26 GMT

Great day for cricket lovers!!

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 9:24 GMT

Very well played ICC.
Everybody wins ( or atleast they are made to think so). Everybody gets a piece of the cake, some big, some just the crust.
One big happy family.

Max169
on June 28, 2011, 9:18 GMT

My suggestion is to divide the CWC in two stages. Stage-1: bottom 8 teams( bottom 4- test teams as per ICC's ODi ranking and 4- Associate Members) will play in two groups as Round Robin League and Top Team of each group will join the Top 6 Teams.
Stage-2: Play 8-team based single league and move on for Semi Finals and Final....

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 9:18 GMT

WORLD is back in worldcup 2015:)

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 9:14 GMT

thats a really very good decision in favour of the crazy cricket lovers as well as the emerging nations....

ashdcricket
on June 28, 2011, 9:13 GMT

Great decision. Would go a long way to promote cricket globally!

kmgnath
on June 28, 2011, 9:12 GMT

it is nice to here, 14 teams are playing in the world cup.
Lots of minos will be happy,
who are those 4 teams?

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 9:11 GMT

GREAAATT hope this sticks

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 9:08 GMT

Great verdict; cricket will grow up with this decision. ICC's initial verdict to pull out associate teams from the CWC 2015 was the nastiest. Congratulations to all associate teams especially Irelands... . . . . . . . . .

Giving a chance to the associates is a good step, but the rest of the decisions are weird. for example using two different balls at each bowling end, using power plays between 16 and 40 overs and not allowing a runner. These things are complicating the game and this would cause more loss of interest rather than making it interesting.
The rotation policy should ve been scrapped long ago but the new policy should also be fair and chance should be given to everyone.

KrazyKrejza
on June 28, 2011, 8:59 GMT

Thankyou ICC for what will be another drawn-out World Cup with a mediocre and trivial Group-Stage phase. Because teams like Canada, Kenya and the Netherlands can really compete at a World Cup, never mind Zimbabwe.........

One step forwards - Step steps back

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 8:57 GMT

OMG thankyou ICC godbless you:) TO all associates teams we all need to work even harder we have to do what kenya did in 2003 world cup. so dont disappoint icc again.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 8:55 GMT

Logic has prevailed !!. Thank god I can watch the likes of Ireland and the Dutch again

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 8:54 GMT

Wow !! Great news , finally ICC compromise .

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 8:49 GMT

good for the game....few matches may be boring...but its worth giving the associates chance to improve there game...

nishad25
on June 28, 2011, 8:43 GMT

It's a great decision by ICC. It must have something to do with the success of 2011 WC which saw great performances by teams like Ireland and Netherlands. As far as associate teams are considered its a great decision and it would give at least something for them to play with.

Notredam
on June 28, 2011, 8:41 GMT

great news for irish,,,come on//

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 8:40 GMT

4 associates will again result in a number of meaningless matches, given that Bangladesh and West Indies are only a shade better than the associates. A better option could have been to include 12 teams as opposed to 14.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 8:39 GMT

It should have been 10 teams as before. But after a qualifying round between the champions and the runners up of the ICC championship and 9th and 10th teams of the ICC ODI rankings for making the world cup interesting, unlike this year.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 8:38 GMT

I'm totally agree with that decision made by ICC in annual conference, because this will bring hope for associate/ affiliate nations to compete with full members and gain experience of world Cup, and this will bring more expansion of cricket in associate/ affiliate countries. As result, the cricket will be the most growing game in the rest of the world

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 8:36 GMT

Tremendous and trendsetting

princemoses
on June 28, 2011, 8:34 GMT

yoo hoo! Welcome the decision!

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 8:33 GMT

Good one! A right decision taken by ICC. Any associate team can be a future champion!

Ryantherockerr
on June 28, 2011, 8:32 GMT

Now thats like it ...... one good decision by ICC ........ the deserving associate nations needs to be in the world cup !!

rockdworldxi
on June 28, 2011, 8:31 GMT

14 teams are not gud 12 teams wud have been much better. 10 full members and two associates. however its gud for ireland tho dey deserve to be in the world cup 2015 aft thr performances in 07 and 11 world cups beating teams like pakistan and england. they cud be d nxt team to get the test status may be if they qualify for 2015 world cup n beat a couple of big teams they mite well get the test status aft 2015 wc

Akhilesh_Shenoy
on June 28, 2011, 8:29 GMT

Damn !! 1st bad decision 2 come out of dis conference in my opinion....it shud hav been kept down to 10 teams with the last 2 spots up for grabs via a qualifying tournament...it wud have increasd the competition among the full members wit the laggards lyk bang,zim desperate to break into the top 8 to secure automatic qualification thereby ensuring they perform to their fullest potential...now teams lyk bang, zim will get a free,undeservd ticket to the WC..also we will again hav 2 see substandard associates lyk kenya, canada play out lopsided matches..get set fr anothr bloated, long tournament !! :(

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 8:26 GMT

gud and bad.....gud caz it will encourage more countries to play cricket...bad coz tournament will be too long....

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 8:26 GMT

good news for future of cricket

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 8:23 GMT

finally we heared good news from ICC which gonna give chance to associates team to join WC2015. now is the team tha associates teams have to improve thier skill and show to world during WC2015 that associates can win and defeate the full members team like ireland did during 2011 every associates has work so hard till 2015 and we also have hope from AFGHANISTAN nad IRELAND to do some thing

Provenance
on June 28, 2011, 8:23 GMT

Great decision....Really great decision. For every Brazil, Germany, Italy, Spain, Argentina we have a North Korea, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, Slovenia, Honduras in the FIFA WC. Similarly most of the times we see a Cameroon, a Senegal, a South Korea, a Turkey surprising everyone to reach too far in the Football WC. Same way in Cricket WC we have a Kenya in 2003, an India in 1983 (mind you India was not at all a good ODI team back them), an Ireland in 2011, etc in Cricket WCs. We need outsiders with an outside chance and surprise everyone in Cricket WCs. In order to avoid this situation, why not have more than 1 match per day - and ask the broadcasters to tow the line....if possible....but nevertheless a great decision.

BDHUNTER
on June 28, 2011, 8:23 GMT

Lots of incident will be happened, like 1 team scecored 350 another 50!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

ssenthil
on June 28, 2011, 8:21 GMT

What a Great U-Turn by ICC, Well Done. Ireland will be Happy now. Hope to See Ireland, Netherlands, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and West Indies in a Single Group ;-) So that Ireland and Netherlands can prove that they are Better then the Full Members.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 8:21 GMT

This will make World Cup boring and lengthy. Even for the players it will be tiring till they reach semis or finals. I think to tackle minnows top four teams should be allowed to play with their A and B teams.

harmske
on June 28, 2011, 8:17 GMT

Wooohhooooohhhoooooooooohhhooo!!!!! Well done the ICC, well done indeed!!

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 8:17 GMT

All the associate teams should be kept in one group and the best team should proceed to the next round. If they are distributed in two groups (like in the 2011 world cup) then we have to witness one-sided boring games.

AKHILESH_ANALYST
on June 28, 2011, 8:17 GMT

very bad move.........better they will opt Qualifier round

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 8:17 GMT

We Welcome This Decision ..Good Decision ....

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 8:16 GMT

This is a very good news for the associates, especially Ireland and Kenya who can still beat any test playing nation.

heat-seeker
on June 28, 2011, 8:15 GMT

A qualification stage before the WC would have been better for the Associates. Or a 12-nation WC. But this option is still better than the original unjust plan.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 8:14 GMT

Finally, some good news, after all the hooplah and nonsense.

randika_ayya
on June 28, 2011, 8:14 GMT

What a wonderful decision this is! An absolute RED LETTER DAY for cricket :)

PK1989
on June 28, 2011, 8:13 GMT

this is not done....the quality of matches will still not be there,a number of matches will be one-sided..10 team format was the best option to go through

Dale-force_winds_steyn_the_pitch
on June 28, 2011, 8:11 GMT

Brilliant! Thank goodness the ICC have come to their senses! Just need to make changes to the FTP draft to even out distribution of Tests and it'll have been a very productive time in Hong Kong! Test Championship would also be ideal, but for now, including the minnows in the world cup is a great decision!

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 8:11 GMT

Wow, the ICC is in serious danger of becoming a credible governing body again, this is a brilliant result for the associates and world cricket in general. Looking forward to seeing Ireland, Afghanistan and 2 others in 2015. Well done ICC!

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 8:11 GMT

That's a good news. ICC now have to think on qualification event for all participating nations as that of football without ensuring any slot to any nation.

Chakra1685
on June 28, 2011, 8:07 GMT

Would have loved to see the top 6 teams going to WC automatically and the bottom four and 4-6 associates fighting for the rest of the 4 spots for 2015.... this should have prompted the bottom placed internation teams to fight for their ranks during the bilateral series as well.... However good to see the world competing in the WC...

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 8:05 GMT

thnx aloot.. de sgud inspire the minnows :)

No featured comments at the moment.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 8:05 GMT

thnx aloot.. de sgud inspire the minnows :)

Chakra1685
on June 28, 2011, 8:07 GMT

Would have loved to see the top 6 teams going to WC automatically and the bottom four and 4-6 associates fighting for the rest of the 4 spots for 2015.... this should have prompted the bottom placed internation teams to fight for their ranks during the bilateral series as well.... However good to see the world competing in the WC...

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 8:11 GMT

That's a good news. ICC now have to think on qualification event for all participating nations as that of football without ensuring any slot to any nation.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 8:11 GMT

Wow, the ICC is in serious danger of becoming a credible governing body again, this is a brilliant result for the associates and world cricket in general. Looking forward to seeing Ireland, Afghanistan and 2 others in 2015. Well done ICC!

Dale-force_winds_steyn_the_pitch
on June 28, 2011, 8:11 GMT

Brilliant! Thank goodness the ICC have come to their senses! Just need to make changes to the FTP draft to even out distribution of Tests and it'll have been a very productive time in Hong Kong! Test Championship would also be ideal, but for now, including the minnows in the world cup is a great decision!

PK1989
on June 28, 2011, 8:13 GMT

this is not done....the quality of matches will still not be there,a number of matches will be one-sided..10 team format was the best option to go through

randika_ayya
on June 28, 2011, 8:14 GMT

What a wonderful decision this is! An absolute RED LETTER DAY for cricket :)

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 8:14 GMT

Finally, some good news, after all the hooplah and nonsense.

heat-seeker
on June 28, 2011, 8:15 GMT

A qualification stage before the WC would have been better for the Associates. Or a 12-nation WC. But this option is still better than the original unjust plan.

dummy4fb
on June 28, 2011, 8:16 GMT

This is a very good news for the associates, especially Ireland and Kenya who can still beat any test playing nation.